Picks of the week

03/12/2009

WE GOVERN WE They recently relocated to Ventura from Greece, where early on they received critical praise. Previously, Panos Scourtis (guitar) and Anna Karakalou (vocals) performed with acclaimed alternative electro band SIGMATROPIC who collaborated with the likes of Cat Power and Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth). Why they’re in Ventura of all places is anyone’s guess, but we’re glad to have ‘em. Self –described as what the Killers would sound like if Cyndi Lauper was their singer, understates their sophisticated sexiness. Think Shiny Toy Guns with a little BitterSweet. This is a band to watch. Saturday, March 14. Billy O’s, 2819 E. Main St. Ventura. 652-0327, www.myspace.com/wegovernwe.

PSYCHO CAFÉ REUNION Friend to Ventura’s music scene Travis Whitlock of Blackbird Productions is getting married and what he’d like most on his wedding day (besides his bride) is to see Psycho Café play once more. The band that would spawn Le Meu Le Purr began as a high school jam and became an integral part of Ventura’s late ’90s music scene. This may not happen again. Sunday, March 15. Bombay Bar & Grill, 143 S California St. Ventura, 643-4404.